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Gov’t ‘will not be defined by areas we have to improve’- Premier

- Says VIP administration has willingly brought good-governance legislation
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has declared that his administration will not be defined by any areas it has to improve, rather, by its record of making good governance a priority. Photo: VINO/File
The Premier further indicated that more amendments will come to the Register of Interest Act for Elected HoA members and Public Officers given decisions has to be made on whether the bill will be a public register, or publicly accessible. Photo: VINO/File
The Premier further indicated that more amendments will come to the Register of Interest Act for Elected HoA members and Public Officers given decisions has to be made on whether the bill will be a public register, or publicly accessible. Photo: VINO/File
DUFFS BOTTOM, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has declared that his administration will not be defined by any areas that are work in progress, rather, by its record of making good governance a priority.

Premier Fahie made the statement at the June 17, 2021, Ninth Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly, shortly after the introduction of the second reading of good-governance legislation, the Whistleblowers Act, 2021.

Pointing to the 2020 Speech from the Throne outlining the Government’s legislative agenda, Premier Fahie pointed out that legislation aimed at bringing more accountability has been in the works since his Virgin Islands Party (VIP) took office in early 2019.

Hon Fahie said the Integrity in Public Life Bill, which had its first reading on April 22, 2021, along with the Contractor General Act 2021, passed during the same sitting of the House; are just some of the examples of good governance legislation.

The Integrity in Public Life Bill has an aim to promote and enhance ethical conduct standards by consolidating laws relating to the prevention of corruption and the award, monitoring, and investigating of government contracts and prescribed licenses.

More amendments to come

The Premier further indicated that more amendments will come to the Register of Interests Act for Elected HoA members and Public Officers, given decisions has to be made on whether it will be a public register, or publically accessible.

“So this government is doing a lot of work along the line of improving good governance, Mr speaker, and we will not be defined by the one or two areas that we still have to improve upon, but there are many areas that we have improved,” he said. 

The Premier said his administration was also never forced to bring forward good governance legislations, rather it did it as a commitment to the people of the territory.

“So your government has been speaking about intentions and our commitment to these legislation in the budget address also, since we assumed office, in other conversations prior and after that, so we have been working on these legislations for some time now,” Hon Fahie said.

11 Responses to “Gov’t ‘will not be defined by areas we have to improve’- Premier ”

  • wow (21/06/2021, 11:00) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    Time to be Proactive instead of all these Reactive Synopsis. Let's get to work on building Our Infrastructure. Tine is being wasted and Election around the Corner.
  • See (21/06/2021, 11:29) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hot air flowing again
  • Testing (21/06/2021, 11:38) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    so when the coi finish will a uk department be set in place. if so who will monitor the department ensuring the rules are followed....
  • So, Sad.. (21/06/2021, 11:43) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    What started wrong will End wrong, You all started fighting and the fight end up messy,,, See how professional and apologetic and respectful NDP members were, That was the way, the apptmroach you and your govt should have taken...
    • my2cents (24/06/2021, 10:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Seems they were the guilty ones in the COI as far as perceived corruption goes. They were also pushing the independence talk while knowing they were compromised. This Government will survive the COI as they don't have very much to hit them with. So why did Gus launch the COI the way he did when all there was so much more happening while he was here and was asked for the COI by the opps at the time? The Uk wasted their time to come here and talk about register of Interests. That could've been done with an official letter. The legislators need to understand that procedures and policies must be followed and abided by for everyone. The Government functions regards of who is elected and they should respect that process. Gus bias was exposed by this COI is my opinion.
  • Governance (21/06/2021, 12:26) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    It appears that most elected legislators ignored the 2006 Register Interests Act for the last 15 years. Why do you suppose the CoI is focusing on this particular law in the early stage of this inquiry? Perhaps some research into the legal topics of conflict of interest and fair government contract bidding/award procedures are in order now.
  • Regardless of (21/06/2021, 12:54) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply
    Both governments are apologetic VIP is the most capable
  • lol (21/06/2021, 14:46) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Passing laws is one thing, abiding by them and enforcing them is a complete difference.
  • Correct defintion (21/06/2021, 15:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    That's the only way to define this government.
  • Start (23/06/2021, 01:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    , it was “doubtful whether the selected candidate has the requisite qualifications for the job and/or where the political connections of the individual lead to a concern that the individual may have been selected for inappropriate reasons”.

    The governor also shared his insight into several other areas he felt needed to be addressed and be strengthened. In so doing, he said there are also a number of individuals who sit on several different public boards, with a risk of potential conflict.
  • WEW (23/06/2021, 15:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The public will be the ones to define how the government is performing. Whether you like it or not.


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